From George Washington to Henry Knox, 8 March 1790
To Henry Knox
United States [New York] March 8th 1790
Sir,
I have taken into consideration your letter of the 15th of last month, and I approve of the proposals therein suggested, of endeavoring to avoid a War with the Creek nation of Indians.
I approve particularly of your requesting Mr Hawkins to send the letter to Alexander McGillivray a copy of which you have enclosed—and I authorize you to employ a suitable person to conduct the business, and to pay him, and the expenditures proposed.1
I will sign a Passport for such of the Chiefs of the Creek Nation as may desire to repair to the seat of the General Government on the business of their Nation.2 I am &c.
G. Washington
LB, DLC:GW; copy, DLC:GW.
1. See Knox to GW, 15 Feb. 1790, nn.2 and 3.
2. On 11 Mar. GW signed a passport for Marinus Willett and Alexander McGillivray for their journey to New York. It reads: “Whereas it has been represented to me that Colonel Alexander McGillivray and several other principal Cheifs, Head Men, and Warriors of the Creek Nation of Indians, may be desirous of repairing to the residence of the General Government for the purpose of forming treaties of amity with the United States. Now therefore know ye, that to facilitate so humane an object, I have granted this Passport for the protection and security of said Cheifs who shall accompany the bearer Colonel Marinus Willet or such persons as he in case of sickness may authorize for the purposes herein specified—And I require all officers civil, and military of the United States, or of the respective States, and all good citizens thereof, to protect and assist such Cheifs aforesaid as shall accompany the said Colonel Marinus Willet, or the person authorized by him as aforesaid—And I do hereby forbid, any officers civil or military, or any of the Citizens aforesaid from attempting or performing any injury of any sort to the said Cheifs, Head Men, and Warriors protected as aforesaid, as they would answer the same at their peril” (LS, PPRF).